Carlos Alcaraz heads into the Miami Open still dealing with his first defeat of the year, a loss to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells.
Medvedev played at a level we haven’t seen from him for a while, taking down the world number one in straight sets.
The Russian’s win over Alcaraz was his first since the 2023 US Open. It also marked a big step forward in form for him after some early-season struggles.
Alcaraz was quick to admit that he didn’t handle Medvedev’s intensity well and spoke about how he plans to address that issue moving forward.
Alcaraz looking to be more proactive after Indian Wells setback
Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his Miami Open campaign with an eye-catching clash against teenager Joao Fonseca, eager to bounce back from his recent defeat to Daniil Medvedev.
The Spaniard is still stung by the loss and is determined not to let it happen again.
“I think I am just trying to take it as a compliment [when] players try to play their best, more aggressively if they want to beat me”, Alcaraz said ahead of his opening match in Miami.
“I think it’s a great thing to know and obviously I am just really happy that they are taking us [as] players to try to beat, and we are trying to make them improve as a player as well.”
He knows he needs this approach for any player who raises their level when facing him. It’s something he is very aware of now.
“So for me, that’s great. But sometimes when I step on the court and see the opponent playing that level, it’s not that funny. I’m trying to be one step forward.
“Trying to see what their next move is going to be before they make it. It’s like chess in a way. [I’m] trying to be there a little bit earlier or trying to think what’s going to happen next.
“Then I can think about my move. I’m trying that or just trying to be more aggressive than them or trying not to let them be in a good spot all the time.”
If he wants another title at the Miami Open this year, he will need this kind of mentality because everyone will come prepared against him.
Looking back on Alcaraz vs Fonseca ahead of their first tour meeting
The Miami Open meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca will be their first official match on the ATP Tour, though they have already shared a court before.
That encounter came in an exhibition at the end of the 2025 season, also held in Miami, where Alcaraz came out on top. The event took place at the Miami Marlins’ stadium, with Alcaraz edging Fonseca 7-5, 2-6, 10-8.
Fonseca is expected to have strong support once again. Miami has a significant Brazilian community, and his popularity there could make for an electric atmosphere.
The Brazilian earned his spot in this match by coming through a three-set battle against Fábián Marozsán in the opening round.
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